Um, wait. It’s December 1?
- Fifteenth rejection! Such is the business. Also got a rejection for a grant to which I applied, but it included some wonderful positive feedback.
- Five submissions, three still active.
- No new short stories. I promised myself I wouldn’t start anything new until after the novel revisions and I stuck with it.
- NOVEL PROGRESS (everyone’s favorite panic attack) continues well. I made some more great breakthroughs. I’m currently 8 chapters from the end. That could mean a few weeks, a few months, or a few years, depending on how much time I put in.
- NaNoWriMo went by and I didn’t write a word for it. This is good since I hadn’t finished novel revisions…
- I went to my writing group’s annual retreat (just for a few hours, really) and it was wonderful as ever. Nothing like your tribe to keep you sane and productive.
- I have a tentative schedule for Arisia programming and that makes me very happy. More on that as it happens!
- I haven’t been reading a lot this month, but I’ve been working, so here’s a STUFF I’VE BEEN DOING segment
- Calling my Senators/Congressman about issues at the national level. There are, ya know, a few.
- Calling my state legislators about issues at the state level, from taking a stand against some of the stuff happening at the federal level to bills I’m hoping get reintroduced in the new legislative session. I’ve gotten a really lovely personal call back regarding one issue, and it was great to know that I’d been heard.
- Calling my city counselors and finding ways to engage with city politics. I live here and I care. Therefore I should be doing more than getting upset when the newspaper reports decisions I don’t like.
- Donating. To the NoDAPL efforts and in support of the water protectors. To local organizations that matter to my heart. To movements that I believe in.
- Reading and listening to things that make me mad. I had done this relatively often before, but I think it’s definitely important now. Not knowing another perspective exists excuses nothing.
- Talking to like-minded friends. Just because there’s an echo doesn’t mean it’s wrong to converse and congregate and share resources.
- Sending and receiving support from wonderful friends. You guys have helped keep me sane in this crazy time and sending you reassurances has made me stay focused. So thanks.
- Upcoming Goals
- Dec 31 Have novel out for critique NO LATER THAN THIS (still doable)
- Dec 31 Keep at least 3/4 stories on submission at all times
- Dec 31 Finish 5 pieces (any length) in 2016 (3 down, 2 to go!)
Victoria Sandbrook 